Galen Malecha

Rice County Commissioners approved the final 2024 Tax Levy and Budget.

There was some consideration given to removing the present roof but Commissioners eventually agreed to put the metal over the current shingles.

Under the agreement Rice County will receive 40 percent of gross call revenue at the new facility and 15 percent at the current jail until the move is made.

Commissioner Galen Malecha requested a special work session dealing with landfill issues in light of the recent landfill fire.

Verdick says the approximately 50 million construction project is currently approximately 2.5 million dollars under budget and 3 months ahead of schedule.

Verdick told Commissioners the low bid on Phase One of the Finance Department remodeling was provided by Met-Con Construction of Faribault in the amount of $24,000. Despite the concerns voiced by Commissioners they unanimously approved accepting the bid and moving forward with the project.

Commissioner Jim Purfeerst pointed out it was a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

Letters of support for the workforce housing were included from Trystar, Faribault Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store plants in Faribault.

There currently is no signage at the northside or social services side of the building drop box telling people not to place absentee ballots there.

Sara Folsted, County Admiinistrator told commissioners the appointment is from June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2026.